Phil Mickelson thrashes Tiger Woods, wins AT&T

There was no other way to describe what happened in today’s final round of the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. Third-round leader Charlie Wi wobbled to even-par 72, leaving the door open — and Mickelson barged through, shooting 64 to win the tournament for the fourth time.

Woods, playing alongside Mickelson, suddenly looked lost. Remember when Sunday was his domain? Not anymore. He played superbly the first three days of the event, but then in the final round — much as he did two weeks ago at the European Tour event in Abu Dhabi — he staggered. Woods shot 75.

Woods usually inspires trips into the history books, but this time Mickelson did the honors. Sunday’s win was No. 40 of his career on the PGA Tour, breaking a tie with Tom Watson and Cary Middlecoff and vaulting Mickelson into sole possession of ninth place on the all-time list.

“It’s really cool, but whatever number it was this win is meaningful because of where it took place,” Mickelson said, “and the fact I hadn’t played well the last few months.”

Or, in our little corner of the world, consider this: Mickelson now has four victories in the Crosby-turned-AT&T, more than any player not named Mark O’Meara (who won five). Mickelson had been tied with Jack Nicklaus and Johnny Miller – they could play a little, eh? – with three each.

Phil Mickelson exults after saving par on No. 15, on his way to shooting 64.

Mickelson spoke Saturday of his optimism heading into the final round, knowing Pebble is vulnerable over the first seven holes. Maybe he could make a move right out of the gate, post some birdies and bring Wi into his sights.

Or maybe Mickelson could take the lead altogether.

He started the day six shots back – and he walked off the No. 6 green with a two-shot lead. Mickelson went par-birdie-par, then birdie-birdie-eagle – capped by a 21-foot putt, rolling straight and pure and disappearing into the hole.

Wi helped out by 4-putting the No. 1 green — yikes! — and then adding bogeys at No. 5 and No. 6. He recovered a bit on the back nine, but by then it was too late.